LONDON - Prime Minister Tony Blair stepped into the debate over the integration of Muslims into British society on Tuesday, calling the full veil worn by some Muslim women "a mark of separation".
The use of the veil has prompted a lively debate over social inclusion with some leaders of Britain's 1.8 million Muslims accusing the government of stirring up Islamophobia.
The radicalisation of some young British Muslims, rammed home in July last year when British-born Muslim suicide bombers killed 52 people on London transport, has raised doubts over whether enough has been done to integrate Muslims.
Blair, who has until now encouraged the debate on integration without expressing an opinion on veils, came the closest he has to taking sides.